2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update brought the Passat in line with the smaller Volkswagen Jetta, giving it a more understated appearance compared to its more flamboyant competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. The Passat's design, with its rounded corners, evoked the aerodynamic efficiency of 1990s sedans, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim. The R-Line trim added sportier styling elements, though the color palette remained conservative. Inside, the Passat's interior was clean and functional, with analog controls and excellent visibility, though some might find it plain due to the lack of vibrant materials.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX was often seen as having an adolescent aesthetic, though it appeared tamer than its racier sibling, the WRX STI. The WRX's wedge-like front end and short trunk lid contributed to its sporty appearance, even at rest. Inside, the WRX shared similarities with other Subaru compacts from the past decade, prioritizing function over form. The interior was criticized for its hard plastics and lack of refinement compared to rivals like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX offered trims ranging from Base to Limited, with features like cloth upholstery, manual seats, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base model, while higher trims added amenities like leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and advanced driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the torque was commendable, the horsepower was slightly below average compared to competitors. The Passat's power delivery was uneven, particularly during highway overtakes, but switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved the experience. The Passat's driving dynamics were unremarkable, lacking the sportiness found in rivals like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. However, it offered a comfortable ride and acceptable cabin noise levels on the highway.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite being the most powerful among its rivals, the WRX required skillful rev management to fully exploit its potential. The CVT, though unconventional for enthusiasts, kept the engine in the powerband effectively. The manual transmission, however, was criticized for its vague clutch feel. The WRX excelled in handling, thanks to its Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, providing precise cornering. However, its ride was stiffer compared to the Civic Si and GTI, which offered a better balance of sport and comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. However, this came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. The driving position was uncomfortable for many, with limited front legroom and inadequate thigh support. The Passat's cargo space measured 15.9 cubic feet, more than some rivals but less than the Accord and Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with poorly shaped door bottle holders. The layout of controls was a highlight, featuring large buttons and knobs within easy reach, complemented by an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While this was more than the Civic Si coupe, it fell short of the sedan and the VW GTI's cargo capacity. The WRX's interior packaging was less accommodating for large water bottles, with door holders unable to fit them. The driving position was commanding and comfortable, with good visibility. The rear seats provided decent space for four adults, showcasing the advantages of a sedan layout over a coupe.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The R-Line trim added HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. Keyless entry was standard on SE and R-Line trims. The Passat's tech was straightforward, with a single USB-A port for connectivity and two rear charge-only ports on SE models. The infotainment system lacked the latest features like the Digital Cockpit or MIB3 system, appealing to those seeking simplicity over tech-savvy features.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim included an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon stereo, providing excellent sound quality. Despite updates, the WRX's tech was not cutting-edge, reflecting its 2015 introduction.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, though its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. NHTSA ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with advanced safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were options on the Limited trim. All WRX trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.